Description

Plutonium-238 is a radioactive isotope of plutonium with the CAS registry number 13981-16-3. It is a critical material valued for its high specific power output from alpha decay, making it an indispensable heat source for specialized applications. This isotope is primarily required by the aerospace, scientific research, and national security sectors for long-term, reliable energy generation where solar power is impractical.

Application

• Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs): The primary application, providing long-lasting electrical power for deep-space probes, satellites, and remote terrestrial installations.
• Cardiac Pacemaker Power Sources: Historical use in medical devices, offering decades of service life without battery replacement.
• Heat Source for Thermocouples: Used in industrial and scientific equipment to generate precise thermal gradients for measurement and control.
• National Security & Defense Systems: Employed in strategic systems requiring compact, long-lived, and reliable power sources.
• Calibration Standards: Serves as a reference source in radiation detection and nuclear instrumentation calibration.
• Scientific Research: Utilized in physics experiments, material science studies, and as a target material for nuclear research.

Basic Information

Product Name	Plutonium-238
CAS No.	13981-16-3
Molecular Formula	Pu
Molecular Weight	238.0496 g/mol
Synonyms	Pu-238; Plutonium-238 isotope; Plutonium, isotope of mass 238; 238Pu; Radioactive Plutonium-238; Plutonium 238
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Plutonium-238 is produced and handled under the strictest quality and security protocols, adhering to national and international regulations for special nuclear materials. Each batch is characterized for isotopic purity, radionuclidic purity, and specific activity. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing these parameters and confirming compliance with customer specifications is provided with every shipment.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed, specially designed container, protected from all light exposure. Store under an inert atmosphere in a secure, shielded, and dedicated facility designed for high-activity α-emitting materials. Maintain strict temperature and humidity controls as per security and safety protocols. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Metallic solid (pellet or other specified form)
Isotopic Purity (Pu-238)	≥ 99.9%
Specific Activity	~0.57 W/g (Contact for exact value)
Radionuclidic Purity	Meets customer requirements
Major Isotopic Impurities (Pu-239, Pu-240, etc.)	≤ 0.1% total
Gamma Emission	Specified levels
Neutron Emission	Specified levels
Chemical Form	Plutonium dioxide (PuO2) or metal

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.